Plastic component with a complex and bifurcated structure

ABSTRACT

A die for producing pressed, fiber-reinforced plastic components, as well as a method for producing the plastic component, and the plastic component itself. The plastic components comprising at least two structural parts which overlap one another a pressing direction such that the die comprises at least one upper die portion formed with a pressing unit for applying a pressing force in the pressing direction, and at least one lower die portion which cooperates with the upper die portion to form a cavity in which the plastic component is formed. A die insert is fitted in the die and can move by and with the upper die portion and is designed to transmit the pressing force to the at least one structural part of the plastic component which is overlapped by the other structural part of the plastic component in the pressing direction.

This application claims priority from German patent application serialno. 10 2011 077 337.1 filed Jun. 10, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a die for the production of pressed,fiber-reinforced plastic components, a method for producing suchcomponents by means of the die according to the invention, and a plasticcomponent with fiber reinforcement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Development departments in industry, especially the automotive industry,are intensifying their search for possible ways to provide components oflow weight at the same time as improved or at least equally goodperformance and favorable cost characteristics.

From the prior art various methods are already known for producingpressed, fiber-reinforced plastic components, particularly for use inmotor vehicles, all of which have in common that to consolidate andconnect the fiber layers, pressure has to be applied by pressing fromthe outside. However, the methods of the prior art have the disadvantagethat complex, branching structures with sections of the structures thatoverlap in the pressing direction demand high cost and effort (slidertechniques with separate control mechanisms) for the dies required, orentail the provision of cores. Since the position of a core can oftennot be defined exactly from outside, there is a risk that different wallthicknesses or undefined geometrical configurations may be produced.Alternatively complex components with undercuts are avoided,particularly when using thermosetting plastic resin systems, becauseslider techniques or multi-component dies require elaborate sealing dueto the low viscosity of the resin and cannot be operated reliably formass production, since in time the resin clogs up the movementmechanisms of the sliders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to develop further a die for theproduction of pressed, fiber-reinforced plastic components, theassociated production method, and the plastic component itself, in suchmanner that even complex, branching structures and overlapping structuresections can be produced with less cost and effort compared with thepreviously known prior art.

The die according to the invention for producing pressed,fiber-reinforced plastic components, the plastic components, having atleast two sections of their structure which overlap at least partiallyin a pressing direction, comprises at least one upper die portionconstructed with a pressing unit for applying a pressing force in thepressing direction. The die also comprises at least one lower dieportion, which lower die portion co-operates with the upper die portionto form a cavity, wherein the plastic component is formed. The dieaccording to the invention is characterized in that at least onemovable, die insert is fitted in the die which can be moved along withand by the upper die portion and which is designed and provided so as topass on the pressing force to the at least one of the structure sectionsof the plastic component which, in the pressing direction, is at leastpartially overlapped by the other structure section of the plasticcomponent.

Consequently, the die according to the invention is able, by virtue ofthe die insert, to transmit the pressing force to a section of thestructure which is overlapped in the pressing direction. This onestructure section is at least partially overlapped by the at least oneother structure section located between the upper die portion and thedie insert. This means that the pressing force is transmitted by aplurality of structure sections, making it possible to produce pressed,fiber-reinforced plastic components that have a very complex structure.

A preferred embodiment of the die according to the invention providesthat the die insert is positioned at least partially or in a sectionbetween the two structure sections in the pressing direction. The dieinsert serves to transmit the pressing force to at least one furthersection of the component's structure, in a simple and direct manner.

Advantageously, the die insert is mounted and able to move on the lowerdie portion. In the context of the invention the terms upper die portionand lower die portion are not to be understood as restrictive inrelation to spatial orientation or arrangement. Consequently, it ispossible for the upper die portion to be positioned spatially below thelower die portion and conversely, or for the die to be arrangedhorizontally.

A preferred embodiment of the die according to the invention ischaracterized in that the die insert can be moved passively along withthe upper die portion. Consequently, there is no need for elaborateand/or malfunction-prone active moving of additional structuralelements. Such actively moved structural elements are, in the prior art,for example the already mentioned sliders which are moved by their ownindividual control mechanism. Such complex slider techniques, which makesevere demands on the sealing of the insert guides, are thus not neededaccording to the invention. Furthermore, no cores are needed for theformation of hollow spaces and/or undercuts. By virtue of the existingmeans for moving the upper die portion, the die insert can be carriedwith it in a purely passive manner. The omission of more extensivestructural elements reduces total costs in relation to the production ofthe components and extends the useful life of the die.

In another further development, the die according to the inventionadvantageously provides a guide or guiding device for the die insert,the guide preferably being arranged on the lower die portion. The guideserves to align and guide the die insert. This enables the production ofcomponents with the same dimensions and contributes toward thereproducibility of the process.

The guides can be profiled, the shape of the corresponding guide profilebeing any shape desired. They are preferably orientated essentiallyparallel to the pressing direction, although certain deviations fromthis may be desired, as described in more detail below.

In another further development the guiding device is the form of a guideplate which extends over at least a part-section of the length of thedie insert. In particular the guide plate provides an alternative to theguiding profile mentioned earlier. It can extend over the full length ofthe die insert, or only over a part-section thereof.

Another preferred embodiment of the die according to the invention ischaracterized in that the guide plate has at least one insertion-edgeseal, this insertion-edge seal being located between the cavity and thedie insert in the operating condition. The seal prevents the penetrationof foreign bodies into the cavity or the escape of fluid material.

Advantageously, the die according to the invention is characterized inthat stop abutments are provided for limiting movement of the dieinsert, preferably in or on the aforesaid guide or guiding device.Particularly in the case of a displacement-controlled approach of thedie, the stops enable fixed, defined structural component geometry to beobtained. This enables the production process and the geometry of thecomponents to be controlled precisely and reproducibly.

Advantageously, in another further development of the invention, aslit-shaped injection aperture is provided between the cavity and thedie insert, which is preferably designed and provided for injecting theplastic resin. Thanks to the slit between the cavity and the die insert,the resin can be injected in the manner of a linear jet. Advantageously,for this purpose a flow channel for point injection can be provided inthe parting plane of the cavity between the upper and the lower dieportion. In this way the die insert can distribute the plastic resininjected at a point, and no flushing aside or displacement of the fiberstakes place at the injection point in the sense of “fiber washing”.Thereby, linear injection takes place along the parting plane.

In another advantageous design of the die according to the invention atleast one complementary recess is provided for the guiding device in atleast one of the die portions, preferably the lower die portion. In oneof the die portions, preferably the lower die portion, a correspondinggroove adapted to the shape of the guiding device can be provided.

Advantageously, the guiding device or the complementary recess isarranged in this area offset approximately by a compression dimension ofthe component to be produced in the direction opposite to the pressingdirection. The compression dimension is the dimension by which the fiberstructure is compressed during the pressing process. Accordingly, in thearea of the fibers laid in the die, no groove or no correspondingguiding profile is provided, which could affect the shapedisadvantageously. Such a design of the guiding device avoids anynegative influence upon the shape of the structural sections of theplastic component. Furthermore, an upward projecting rim of the guidingdevice of the die insert enables the fibers to be fixed and preventsthem from sliding out of position. Moreover, the die insert itself canbe actuated in a controlled manner and possible disadvantageous relativemovement between the guiding device and the die insert can be avoided.

A preferred further development of the die according to the invention ischaracterized in that the die insert has a lateral obliquity and/or,relative to the pressing direction, an oblique guide in order to producean additional pressing force directed essentially perpendicularly to thepressing direction.

Advantageously, another further development of the die according to theinvention is characterized by an ejector unit for the die insert. Inparticular this can be designed to eject the die insert in parallel withthe opening of the upper die portion. In particular, theupward-projecting guiding device can be coupled with interlock and/or byfriction to the upper die portion and is thereby extracted or ejectedwhen the upper die portion is opened. The coupling can be produced withinterlock, for example by means of a screw joint, or by friction, forexample by a magnetic coupling. In this way additional structuralelements can consistently be omitted. A smaller number of structuralelements reduces the complexity of the die and increases its life. Theproduction process as a whole is therefore made simpler and less costly.

An also preferred embodiment of the die according to the inventionprovides that to modify the pressing force, between the cavity and thedie insert and/or between the upper die portion and the die insert, aforce element is provided, preferably at least one of the elements:spring, damper, pneumatic piston, hydraulic piston. This enables thepressing force to be selectively and individually adapted to suit theprocess or material conditions at the time.

Advantageously, as a further development of this idea the plastic resinto be injected is itself used as the medium for the force element, theplastic resin to be injected being admitted by way of at least oneinjection duct and/or at least one injection slot. In particular, theabove-mentioned damper element or the hydraulic piston can contain theplastic resin to be injected as the medium.

Advantageously, the pressing force can be modified in a controlledmanner by the throttle action of the injection duct and/or the injectionslot. This allows a controlled adaptation of the pressing force to theprocess conditions, as described earlier.

A comparable preferred embodiment of the die according to the inventionprovides that between the force element on the one hand and the pressunit itself or a further force element arranged on the press unit, ashiftable functional connection is arranged. In this case the forceelement or drive of the press unit is preferably in the form of ahydraulic piston. Advantageously, a spring is provided to produce arestoring force on the force element in the form of a piston and/or onthe press unit comprising a piston.

Advantageously, the die according to the invention comprises passivelinkages or levers, and/or electrically actuated means, for preferablyhydraulic action on the force element formed as a piston and/or thepress unit comprising a piston.

Advantageously, contactless displacement sensors are provided, which arearranged between the die insert and the cavity, preferably in the areaof the stops. These displacement sensors can for example be in the formof inductive or magnetostrictive sensors. The displacement sensors servefor monitoring the process or the switching of the hydraulic pistonduring force-controlled closing of the cavity.

The method according to the invention for producing pressed,fiber-reinforced plastic components, the plastic components having atleast two structure sections which at least partially overlap in apressing direction, is characterized in that the component is producedby means of a die according to the invention, in such manner that firsta number of fiber layers for forming at least the part of the structurethat is lower in the pressing direction are placed in the cavity, andthen the at least one die insert is inserted into the cavity and thebuilding up of fiber layers in the cavity is continued, after which thepressing force for producing the component is applied. Thus, the methodserves to produce a pressed, fiber-reinforced plastic component usingthe die described earlier.

The plastic component with fiber reinforcement according to theinvention, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, comprising aplurality of fiber layers joined to one another by the injection ofplastic and the action of a pressing force, is characterized in that theplastic component has at least two parts of its structure which overlapat least partially in a first direction, and the plastic component hasat least one connecting portion that connects the two structure parts toone another, such that the component contains first fibers arrangedapproximately parallel to a first fiber orientation and the componentcontains second fibers arranged approximately parallel to a second fiberorientation, the second fiber orientation being different from the firstfiber orientation, and such that the second fibers connect the parts ofthe structure to one another in a connecting portion.

Advantageously, as a further development the plastic component isdesigned such that the first fiber orientation is essentiallyperpendicular to the second fiber orientation. With fibers or fiberlayers arranged in this manner relatively high fiber volume contents canbe achieved.

The fiber layers can be arranged both outside the die and inside the dieitself, to produce a so-termed textile preform. However, in aprocess-technologically simpler and more advantageous manner the dieinsert allows the building up of the textile preform to be done directlyinside the die, particularly when a Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) methodis used to produce the component. As soon as the first fibers have beenlaid in position, which first fibers will subsequently at least beoverlapped by fibers or fiber layers of other parts of the structure,the die insert can be inserted into the die. Then the layering of thefibers is continued. In this way even plastic components with more thantwo overlapping parts of the structure can be produced by repeatedpositioning of corresponding die inserts. For medium-sized productionruns, by using the present invention the use of a preforming die isconsequently replaced by using the die according to the invention.

The individual fiber layers can be untreated (unconsolidated) as well aspre-consolidated by a binder and/or by related methods when used in thecontext of the invention to build up the preform.

As suitable materials, laminar textiles such as tissues or layeredfabrics, or even rovings laid in rows can be considered.

A preferred embodiment of the plastic component according to theinvention provides that the plastic component is designed as asupporting structure, in particular a motor-vehicle supporting structurewith integrated spring links, such that the parts of the structure formthe spring links. The use of such plastic components as elements of awheel suspension in a motor vehicle makes it possible to provide for theautomotive industry complex structural elements of almost any desiredshape, adapted to special motor vehicle structures and performanceneeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and characteristics emerge from the following exampleembodiments and the figures, which show:

FIG. 1: An embodiment of the die according to the invention;

FIG. 2.1, 2.2A: The die according to the invention shown in FIG. 1,viewed in cross-section in a first position and in an initial conditionof the pressing process;

FIG. 2.1B, 2.2B: The die according to the invention shown in FIG. 1,viewed in cross-section in a second position and in a final condition ofthe pressing process;

FIG. 3: An alternative embodiment of the die according to the inventionshown in FIG. 2, with a shiftable functional connection for anadditional force element;

FIG. 4, 4A: schematic representations of the layering of fiber layersfor a plastic component according to the invention;

FIG. 5: An embodiment of the plastic component according to theinvention, seen in an overall perspective view;

FIG. 6, 6.1: The plastic component of FIG. 5, viewed in cross-section intwo positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the die 1 according to the invention forproducing a plastic component 2, which has a complex structure withparts 3, 4 of the structure partially overlapping in the direction ofthe arrow M1. The direction M1 is the pressing direction, in which apress unit (not shown) acts upon the plastic component 2 in order toshape the plastic component 2.

Between the two parts 3, 4 of the structure is arranged a die insert 5.The die insert 5 is fitted so as to move, guided by guides 6. Theseguides 6 are orientated parallel to the pressing direction M1.

In its edge area the die insert 5 has an oblique surface 7 which, whenthe die insert moves in the pressing direction M1, produces an inwardforce perpendicular to the pressing direction M1 (toward the line2.1-2.1).

Furthermore, there is an injection point 8 into which the requiredliquid material (resin) can be injected to produce the plastic component2. The parting plane between the die insert 5 and the cavity (not shownin FIG. 1), in which cavity the plastic component 2 is formed, serves asthe injection line for the liquid material.

FIGS. 2.1A, 2.2A show the initial condition of the pressing process andFIGS. 2.1B, 2.2B show its final condition. FIGS. 2.1A, 2.1B show thesection 2.1-2.1 of the plastic component 2 of FIG. 1, whereas FIGS.2.2A, 2.2B show the section 2.2-2.2 of the plastic component 2 of FIG.1.

FIGS. 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.2A, 2.2B show the configuration of the die 1according to the invention of FIG. 1, comprising an upper die portion 10and lower die portion 10 a between which the cavity 10 b alreadymentioned is formed. In the die are laid fiber layers 11, which in theinitial condition 2.1A, 2.2B of the pressing process are in anuncompressed state. In the final condition 2.2 of the pressing processthe fiber layers, at least in the areas framed by squares or rectangles,have been compressed by about half their initial depth.

The FIGS. 2.1A, 2.2B show the massive structure in the central area ofthe plastic component 2 from FIG. 1, which is here also called theconnecting area.

FIGS. 2.2A, 2.2B show the branched area of the plastic component 2 withthe parts 3 and 4 of the structure that overlap in the direction M1,wherein according to a preferred use of the component 2 the parts 3, 4of the structure that overlap in the direction M1, can also be termedspring links. The die 1 has a groove 12 in which the guiding element 6is arranged and able to move. In the final condition of the pressingprocess shown in FIG. 2.2A the guiding element 6 has reached a lowerend-stop 12 a of the groove 12 (see FIG. 2.2A).

At the upper die portion 10 is brought down the upper die portion 10exerts pressure in the direction of the arrow M1 on the fiberarrangements 11 described above and compresses them to produce theplastic component 2, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 2.1A, 2.1B and2.2A, 2.2B. Moreover, the upper die portion 10 moves the guidingelements 6 within the grooves 12 and—indirectly by way of the upper part3 of the structure in the pressing direction M1—the die insert 5, whichfor its part exerts a passive pressure on the lower part 4 of thestructure in the pressing direction M1.

It can also be seen in FIG. 2.2A that the guiding elements 6 projectupward by a certain distance relative to the fiber layers 11 of thestructure part 3 to be compressed. By virtue of the special design ofthe upper die portion in its pressing part that faces toward the cavity10 b, first the fiber layers 11 are compressed in the area of the parts3, 4 of the structure, and then a farther compression of the plasticcomponent 2 takes place in these areas along with a downward movement ofthe guiding elements 6 so that between the plastic component 2 and theguiding elements 6 there is a progressively decreasing relative movementuntil the guiding elements 6 encounter the end-stops 12 a and thepressing process ends.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the die 1 according to the inventionalternative to FIGS. 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.2A, 2.2B, with a shiftable functionalconnection 13 for an additional force element 14-17.

The force element comprises a switching device 14, for example a valve,two hydraulic pistons 15, 16 and an actuating structure in the form of astop 17.

As the die is brought in, the pressing process can be monitored andcontrolled by virtue of the functional connection 13 or the forceelement 14-17. When the upper die portion 10 moves downward in thedirection of the arrow M1 toward the lower die portion 10 a, thehydraulic piston 15 interacts with the stop 17 and produces on thetransmitting side (hydraulic piston 15) a pressure, which can betransmitted on the receiving side (hydraulic piston 16) to the guidingelements 6. The switching device 14 shown in FIG. 3 can in particular bein the form of an electrically controlled valve and can in this wayselectively influence the above-described force action by means of thehydraulic piston 16.

FIGS. 4, 4A illustrate the arrangement of the fiber layers 11 of aplastic component 2 according to the invention. The fiber layers 11shown correspond to the representation of the plastic component 2 inFIGS. 2.1A, 2.2A, i.e. in the massive, central area (connecting area) ofthe plastic component 2. Particularly in the areas which merge into thealready mentioned overlapping parts 3, 4 of the structure, the fiberlayers 11 are on the one hand orientated longitudinally, and on theother hand they alternate with fiber layers 11 that extend transversely(from right to left and also obliquely from the top downward—orconversely) through the component. The same applies in the edge areas 2a of the plastic component 2, which also have fibers extendinglongitudinally and transversely. In contrast, in the connecting areas 2b the fiber layers 11 extend only transversely (and obliquely).

FIG. 5 shows a design of the plastic component 2 according to theinvention, in which plastic component 2 two parts 3, 4 of the structureoverlap. The plastic component forms a motor-vehicle supportingstructure with integrated spring links formed by the parts 3, 4 of thestructure, and is designed for use in a motor vehicle. Depending on theposition (indexes 6.1, 6 in FIG. 5), the structure of the plasticcomponent is massive or branched (see positions 2.1 and 2.2 in FIG. 1).

FIGS. 6, 6.1 show the plastic component according to the invention fromFIG. 5 in cross-section at the positions shown in FIGS. 6.1 and 6. Theposition shown in FIG. 6.1, shows the cross-section of the plasticcomponent in the middle thereof, at which position the structure of theplastic component is massive (see FIG. 2.1A). On the other hand thecross-section at the position shown in FIG. 6 shows an edge or outerarea of the plastic component. Here the structure of the plasticcomponent branches, since the parts 3, 4 of the structure overlap.

INDEXES

-   1 Die-   2 Plastic component-   3 Structure part-   4 Structure part-   5 Die insert-   6 Guide-   7 Oblique face-   8 Injection point-   9 Injection line-   10 Upper die portion-   10 a Lower die portion-   10 b Cavity-   11 Fiber layers-   12 Groove-   12 a End-stop-   13 Shiftable functional connection-   14 Switching device-   15 Piston-   16 Piston-   17 End-stop-   M1 Movement direction, pressing direction

1-26. (canceled)
 27. A die (1) for producing pressed, fiber-reinforcedplastic components (2) which comprise at least two parts (3, 4) of astructure which at least partially overlap in a pressing direction (M1),the die (1) comprising: an upper die portion (10) being formed with apressing unit for applying a pressing force in the pressing direction(M1), at least one lower die portion (10 a) cooperating with the upperdie portion (10) for forming a cavity (10 b), the plastic component (2)being formed in the cavity (10 b), at least one die insert (5) beingfitted in the die (1) and able to move, the at least one die insert (5)being moved by the upper die portion (10), the at least one die insert(5) being designed and provided for transmitting the pressing force toat least one of the at least two parts (3, 4) of the structural of theplastic component (2) which, in the pressing direction (M1), is at leastpartially overlapped by at least the other part (3, 4) of the structureof the plastic component (2).
 28. The die according to claim 27, whereinthe die insert (5) is arranged at least partially between the at leasttwo parts (3, 4) of the structure in the pressing direction (M1). 29.The die according to claim 27, wherein the die insert (5) is movablyfitted on the lower die portion (10 a).
 30. The die according to claim27, wherein the die insert (5) is passively moved by and along with theupper die portion (10).
 31. The die according to claim 27, wherein atleast one guiding element for the die insert (5) is arranged on thelower die portion (10 a).
 32. The die according to claim 31, wherein theguiding element is a guide-plate which extends at least over part of alength of the die insert (5).
 33. The die according to claim 32, whereinthe guide-plate has at least one immersion-edge seal which, in anoperating condition, is positioned between the cavity (10 b) and the dieinsert.
 34. The die according to claim 31, wherein end-stops are locatedeither in or on the guiding element for limiting a movement of the dieinsert (5).
 35. The die according to claim 27, wherein a slot-shapedinjection aperture is provided, between the cavity (10 b) and the dieinsert (5), to facilitate injection of plastic resin.
 36. The dieaccording to claim 35, wherein a flow channel is provided in a partingplane of the cavity (10 b) between the upper die portion (10) and thelower die portion (10 a) for point injection.
 37. The die according toclaim 31, wherein at least one complimentary guiding structure is formedon the lower die portion (10 a).
 38. The die according to claim 37,wherein the guiding structure is arranged offset by a compressiondistance of the component to be produced, in this area in the pressingdirection (M1).
 39. The die according to claim 27, wherein the dieinsert (5) has at least one of a lateral oblique face and a guidesurface, which is oblique relative to the pressing direction (M1), forproducing an additional pressing force perpendicular to the pressingdirection.
 40. The die according to claim 27, wherein at least oneejector unit biases the die insert parallel to an opening movement ofthe upper die portion (10).
 41. The die according to claim 27, whereinthe die insert is couplable to the upper die portion (10) by at leastone of friction force and an interlock.
 42. The die according to claim27, wherein a force element is provided at least one of between thecavity (10 b) and the die insert and between the upper die portion (10)and the die insert, the force element modifies the pressing force, andthe force element is at least one of a spring, a damper, a pneumaticpiston and a hydraulic piston.
 43. The die according to claim 42,wherein a plastic resin to be injected is a medium for the forceelement, the plastic resin to be injected is introduced via at least oneof an injection channel and an injection slot of the cavity (10 b). 44.The die according to claim 43, wherein the pressing force is selectivelyadjusted by a throttle action of the at least one of the injectionchannel and the injection slot.
 45. The die according to claim 42,wherein a controllable functional connection is arranged between theforce element and either the pressing unit itself or a further forceelement arranged on the pressing unit for actuating the force element.46. The die according to claim 27, wherein at least one spring elementis provided for producing a restoring force on the force element in theform of a piston and the pressing unit comprising a piston.
 47. The dieaccording to claim 42, wherein at least one of links and levers, and anelectrically actuated mechanism is arranged on the force element in theform of at least one of a piston and the pressing unit comprising apiston, to act hydraulically thereon.
 48. The die according to claim 31,wherein at least one no-contact displacement sensor is arranged betweenthe die insert and the cavity (10 b), in the area of the end-stops. 49.A method of producing pressed, fiber-reinforced plastic components (2)comprising at least two structural parts (3, which at least partiallyoverlap one another in a pressing direction (M1), the component (2) isproduced by a die (1, 10, 10 a) comprising an upper die portion (10)formed with a pressing unit for applying a pressing force in thepressing direction (M1), and at least one lower die portion (10 a)cooperating with the upper die portion (10) to form a cavity (10 b), theplastic component (2) being formed in the cavity (10 b), at least onedie insert (5) is fitted in the die (1) able to move, the at least onedie insert (5) being moved by the upper die portion (10), the at leastone die insert (5) is designed to transmit the pressing force on to atleast one structural part (3, 4) of the plastic component (2) which, inthe pressing direction (M1), is at least partially overlapped by theother structural part (3, 4) of the plastic component (2), the methodcomprising the steps of: placing in the cavity (10 b) a number of fiberlayers for forming at least the structural part (3, 4) which is lower inthe pressing direction (M1); inserting the at least one die insert (5)into the cavity (10 b); continuing building up of fiber layers withinthe cavity (10 b); and applying the pressing force for producing thecomponent (2).
 50. A plastic component (2) with fiber reinforcement, foruse in a motor vehicle, comprising a number of fiber layers connected toone another by the injection of plastic and by a pressing force, theplastic component (2) being produced by a method comprising steps ofplacing a number of fiber layers in a cavity (10 b) for forming one ofat least two structural parts (3, 4) which is lower in a pressingdirection (M1), inserting at least one die insert (5) into the cavity(10 b), continuing building up of the fiber layers within the cavity (10b) and applying the pressing force for producing the plastic component(2), the plastic component comprising: the at least two structural parts(3, 4) which at least partially overlap one another in a firstdirection; at least one connecting section which connects the twostructural parts (3, 4) to one another; first fibers arrangedapproximately parallel to a first fiber direction and second fibersarranged approximately parallel to a second fiber direction, and thesecond fiber direction being different from the first fiber direction,the second fibers are in the connecting section and connect the at leasttwo structural parts (3, 4) to one another.
 51. The plastic componentaccording to claim 50, wherein the first fiber direction issubstantially perpendicular to the second fiber direction.
 52. Theplastic component according to claim 50, wherein the plastic component(2) is a supporting structure in a motor vehicle, and the two structuralparts (3, 4) form spring links.